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A man is working to grow a nourishing food culture in South LA. Angie Crouch has the Life Connected report on the NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, 2015. (Published Monday, April 6, 2015)

Meet the man who is seeking to break out of LA's "food prison" by growing his own "food forest."

Ron Finley is fed up with the unhealthy food choices in his community. South Los Angeles is home to nearly 1,000 fast food restaurants. One in seven residents has diabetes and one in three children is obese — statistics that are twice the rate of wealthier neighboring communities.

But, in the shadow of the Metro train station, there lies an oasis in the concrete jungle — it's a place where healthy food is grown and given away free on Exposition Boulevard.

This is the world famous Urban Garden planted by Ron Finley, a fashion designer known as the "guerrilla gardener."

2015 Southern California Images in the News

Ten years ago Finley grew tired of driving to other neighborhoods to buy healthy food. He decided to grow his own on the strip of land between the curb and the sidewalk in front of his house. The city of Los Angeles said it was an illegal use of public space and issued an arrest warrant.

"I start off with some chard and kale and work my way down the line and pick as I see it," Thomas said as he munched on some freshly picked greens.

Finley’s garden has become a living classroom for children in nearby neighborhoods. They enjoy digging in the dirt, chasing butterflies and being dazzled by hummingbirds.

Erica Elizondo says the garden exposes her 3-year old daughter Kamila to the natural world.

“It really teaches her the interdependence of different species and we’re not isolated. It’s very important for me,” Elizondo said.

Finley’s dream of a healthier food culture is catching on. His February 2013 TED talk has garnered more than 2 million views on the Internet, inspiring people around the globe to plant their own urban gardens. He is sparking a revolution one seed at a time.

"It makes me feel great because you realize one person can change the paradigm," he said.

Finley hopes to expand his non-profit gardening program. If you’d like to help or donate go to www.ronfinley.com.